Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

[SaltySeas1226]

Hey guys I just found this site and after looking around have been quite entertained and impressed at the knowledge and craftsmanship of some users on here! I am 21 and am looking at getting a little bay boat to spend some time on. I have been very drawn to the old starcraft designs and found a 1965 runabout on craigslist. I don't know exactly what to offer the guy however and was wandering if I could get any advice? The motor is also a 1963-65 or so. No tilt but has new water pump, good compression and runs. The windshield is new as well. I have to drive about 2 1/2 hours to see the boat and am probably going to need to make my price range known to him before going so any suggestive material as to why to lower the price is welcome as well. Thanks guys!

http://pensacola.craigslist.org/boa/2926588643.html

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

Welcome to iboats.

Proceed with caution. That is an older boat and motor.......... and way overpriced.

Fiberglass boats of that vintage could have transom, stringer and hull problems.

Older motor which is no longer made........

Never buy a boat without a water demonstration that should last at least 30 minutes.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

Like Bob said - IF the hull is solid and (like almost new) clean, and IF the motor runs like a champ (starts every time, idles good, has a decent hard acceleration, comes off WOT well, etc., etc.) price would probably be between $800 and $1,000 in my area.

If that Chrysler gives you any trouble, you'll have to hunt parts for it. They weren't bad motors, but they haven't made them in a long time.

Consider too, that boat would be usable but vintage. In other words, in good shape she'll get you out and get you home: but it's old and will need more attention and care than a newer boat.

Lastly, that's a 16'. I don't know what the bay you're talking about going on is like, but if it's prone to rough water or big swells ... that's a rather small "cork" to be bobbin' around in.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

Also, it seems to me that's a lot of motor for that boat (and I'm not shy about that usually).
It's an old, small, fiberglass 16' and if that motor has been on for awhile I'm sure the transom has taken a beating.

 

[SaltySeas1226]

Re: Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

Our bay here isn't bad even on choppy days. My parents have a 16 ft skiff that we take out and she does fine. He said he had been using a 50 up on it but sold that motor and stuck the Chrysler on it last season but hasnt taken it out since. Thanks for the advice so far guys!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

My first boat was a 16' closed bow like that. We had a lot of fun with it but I couldn't wait to be able to trade for an open bow.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

Hi Salty. I live in Tallahassee. I agree that that right is way overpriced. You could find a similar setup for about half the price. I like aluminum for its durability and ease of maintenance, but that's just a preference. The key is to be patient and check good 'ol c-list religiously. You should be about to get a decent 14'- 16'aluminum semi-v hull with an ok trailer for about $300-$400 and a good 20-35 hp motor for about the same. I've probably got less than $600 in my boat including hull, trailer, motor ('66 20 hp) and all new decking and some toys. I'll keep an eye out for you in my neck of the woods.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

My opinion of course but you can pick up a good aluminum boat for similar price or perhaps better. Lighter and easier to tow. Me and the wife bought a pretty well equipped 16' Deep V aluminum with a solid 55hp motor and very good trailor for 1500 and if I knew more about them at the time I might have done better. It is old but still a good old boat.This one might be OK but there are better deals out there. I just missed a 15' aluminum last year I am STILL kicking myself over....It had EVERYTHING you would want, was a bit lower than mine and was well cared for...great trailor and much newer....for 700 bucks...I moved too slow and lost it. Deals are out there, shop around a while.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

Hi Salty. I live in Tallahassee. I agree that that right is way overpriced. You could find a similar setup for about half the price. I like aluminum for its durability and ease of maintenance, but that's just a preference. The key is to be patient and check good 'ol c-list religiously. You should be about to get a decent 14'- 16'aluminum semi-v hull with an ok trailer for about $300-$400 and a good 20-35 hp motor for about the same. I've probably got less than $600 in my boat including hull, trailer, motor ('66 20 hp) and all new decking and some toys. I'll keep an eye out for you in my neck of the woods.

Sorry KFA, wasn't copying you just posted almost the same time.

 

[SaltySeas1226]

Re: Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

Well after all that I'm hearing I guess I'll pass on this one. I just really liked the layout of the boat: nice and open in the back for fishing but also just a great bay boat for days when it's not flat enough for a flat bottom. I appreciate all the info guys! Guess it's time to go sit on craigslist for a few hours!

 

[aquarices]

Re: Opinion on this vintage Starcraft?

Hi Salty. I live in Tallahassee. I agree that that right is way overpriced. You could find a similar setup for about half the price. I like aluminum for its durability and ease of maintenance, but that's just a preference. The key is to be patient and check good 'ol c-list religiously. You should be about to get a decent 14'- 16'aluminum semi-v hull with an ok trailer for about $300-$400 and a good 20-35 hp motor for about the same. I've probably got less than $600 in my boat including hull, trailer, motor ('66 20 hp) and all new decking and some toys. I'll keep an eye out for you in my neck of the woods.

I agree with this post. I'm looking for a boat as well and even with a slightly newer (80ish) engine, these are 500 bucks tops in my area. Unfortunately, they are all fiberglass. I'm holding out for an aluminum hull but I don't know for how long lol.